Riverside County Supervisors Jeff Stone (left) and Marion Ashley (center) present Menifee Mayor Scott Mann with the key to Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, symbolic of the county turning over ownership of the facility to the City.

Saying "we graciously and proudly accept this building with open arms," Menifee Mayor Scott Mann today accepted the key to Kay Ceniceros Senior Center in a symbolic gesture of Riverside County's transfer of the facility to the City of Menifee.

A large crowd gathered for the ceremony in the multi-purpose room where the first Menifee City Council meeting was held in 2008. Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone, who once had his office in this building, joined Marion Ashley, now County Supervisor of this district, in making the presentation to Mann.

"We're delighted we're able to turn this center over to the city to continue the wonderful recreational opportunities it offers," Stone said. "Kay Ceniceros has an incredible legacy as a fearless leader who was passionate about the environment and historical preservation. That's why it's so important that this center remain named after her."

The only condition in the county's transfer of ownership to the city at no cost was the stipulation that the center remain named after Ceniceros, who served 16 years on the Board of Supervisors and was instrumental in serving the senior community of Sun City for decades.

"This is a big deal," Ashley told the audience. "You'd be amazed what all happens here. They have Geri-Fit classes, ballroom dancing, bridge, chess, line dancing ... We're proud to turn this facility over to the city. It provides wonderful service to the community."

Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, located at 29995 Evans Road (cross street Newport Road), serves an average of 3,200 people per month, said Leslie Covey, recreation supervisor for the center. The facility includes a multi-purpose room, library (left), two smaller meeting rooms and a second multi-purpose room. Built in 1990, it has been remodeled once and will receive another $390,000 in improvements, according to city officials.

"The thing I like most about the center is the variety of activities people take part in," Covey said. "We have the card players, but we also have those who do Zumba, line dancing and other such activities. The music gets fast and furious sometimes."

For more information about the center, call 951-672-9673.

Kay Ceniceros Senior Center is used by thousands of residents each month.

The center's multi-purpose room hosts many events, including today's ceremony.

Members of the Menifee City council, city and county officials took part in the ceremony.